When I discovered where we were actually headed, I was astonished since I had assumed my adoptive daughter was sending me to a nursing home 

My husband’s small daughter was just five years old when he died much too soon.

From that day on, I was solely responsible for taking care of her. I reared her as if she were my own: I fed her, took care of her when she was ill, assisted her in her studies, and stayed by her bedside through many restless nights. I later assisted her in enrolling in college and provided her with emotional and financial assistance.

The age of my adopted daughter is now thirty. She has been by my side for all these years, but now I’ve observed that she’s grown chilly and aloof. I was concerned that Mom could be worn out from caring for me, that it was too much for her.

When she got home one evening, she said

— Gather your belongings. Just the necessities at the moment.

I couldn’t understand:

Where are we headed?

She didn’t respond. I sobbed softly the entire way as we packed the suitcase. She was taking me to a nursing home, and I knew it. Could it be that all those years of love and care were in vain? My heart wrenched.

However, I was taken aback when I realized our true destination

In front of a massive two-story mansion, the vehicle came to a stop. After wiping away my tears, I left. Something amazing was in front of me: a large yard, a white façade, broad windows, and a well-kept garden.

My daughter gave me a glance and spoke in a shaky voice:

This is our new house, Mom. This is the kind of setting you’ve always imagined. I’ve been putting money aside all this time to buy you the home of your dreams. I apologize for my chilly demeanor these past few days; I had to keep everything a secret for the surprise. I appreciate all that you have done for me.

I was stunned, not believing what I was seeing. Now, the tears that were streaming down my cheeks were tears of joy. Her love was alive, I understood; it just manifested itself in the most lovely and surprising way.